Tom Padley

Tom Padley

Tom Padley is a British actor with a career spanning film, television, and live theatre. He is perhaps best recognised by Rise of the Footsoldier fans for his recurring role as the determined detective Monroe, appearing across two entries in the franchise.

Rise of the Footsoldier

Padley plays DC Monroe in Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins (2021) and returns as DCI Monroe in Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance (2023). The promotion in rank between the two films gives the character a satisfying sense of progression, and Padley’s continued presence helps provide a thread of continuity across the two instalments.

Film Work

Beyond the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise, Padley has built up a solid body of film credits. He appeared as Theodore Dix in Beyond Valkyrie: Dawn of the 4th Reich (2016), and took on the role of Father in Love is Free (2023). More recently, he appeared as a Policeman at Dancehall in Blitz (2024) and as a Police Officer in The Critic (2024). His earlier screen work includes a small role as Pub Bystander in The Murder in Angel Lane (2013).

Television

On television, Padley has featured in the long-running drama Casualty, where he played Carl Henson. He also appeared in Showtrial as DS Iain Packham.

Theatre

Padley’s background in live performance is evident from his theatre credits. He was part of the ensemble in National Theatre Live: All’s Well That Ends Well (2009), and later appeared in RSC Live: Macbeth (2018) in the roles of Security Guard and Murderer, demonstrating a versatility that stretches from classical stage work to gritty British crime cinema.